Higher temperature indicates what change in particle motion?

Higher temperature indicates what change in particle motion?

• A. Decreased kinetic energy
• B. Increased average kinetic energy
• C. No change in energy
• D. Higher potential energy only

Answer: (B)

Temperature reflects the average kinetic energy of particles. When temperature rises, particles on average have more kinetic energy and move faster. In an ideal gas, the average translational kinetic energy is proportional to temperature, so the average kinetic energy increases as T increases. This also means the root-mean-square speed and the most probable speed rise with higher temperature. Temperature doesn’t directly indicate potential energy, which is related to particle positions and interactions rather than motion. So, higher temperature corresponds to an increased average kinetic energy.

Temperature reflects the average kinetic energy of particles. When temperature rises, particles on average have more kinetic energy and move faster. In an ideal gas, the average translational kinetic energy is proportional to temperature, so the average kinetic energy increases as T increases. This also means the root-mean-square speed and the most probable speed rise with higher temperature. Temperature doesn’t directly indicate potential energy, which is related to particle positions and interactions rather than motion. So, higher temperature corresponds to an increased average kinetic energy.